Joe Cole opts for US switch

Coventry City midfielder Joe Cole will leave at the end of the season to join American side Tampa Bay Rowdies upon the expiration of his contract.

The 34-year-old has told Blues boss Tony Mowbray he is off to the second tier of football in the US, who currently lie 5th in the North American Soccer League, after 22 appearances for Coventry.

“Joe’s going to join Tampa Bay and it might happen pretty quickly if he can get international clearance et cetera,” Mowbray told the Coventry Telegraph.

He continued: “I would have liked to have kept Joe who I think has proven his fitness and worth to the team. He’s a fantastic character around our building – no airs and graces, not looking for favours or extra days off.

Since making headline news by joining the club on loan from Aston Villa last year, the former England international made his move to Ricoh Arena permanent in January, contributing two goals and six assists to the Sky Blues goal tally this season.

Coventry have suffered a slump since the turn of the year, transitioning from serious promotion contenders to 9th place. A slump Mowbray felt Cole could help put an end to.

“I think Joe can help us control football matches but he’s made his decision for his family, I think, and we wish him well because he’s been fantastic for our dressing room and this football club.”

“He’s a top guy and he has shown his football ability. It’s come probably a little bit late in the day that I have felt as if I could trust him to play in the centre of midfield alongside John Fleck,” Mowbray concluded.